Sea level rise to expand habitats for invasive marine species

A study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution warns that rising sea levels driven by climate change will facilitate the spread of invasive marine species. Researchers modeled 122 invasive species, including the blue crab and the starfish Asterias amurensis, to assess how changing ocean conditions might impact biodiversity and economic activities.

Under a moderate greenhouse gas emission scenario, sea levels are projected to rise by approximately 20 cm by 2050 and 56 cm by 2100. This rise could submerge between 360,000 and 550,000 km2 of coastal land. Scientists estimate that more than two-thirds of these newly flooded coastal areas, particularly in mid-latitude estuaries, will be suitable for the development of invasive species, potentially exposing previously unaffected ecosystems and human activities to these threats.